The Futuremarket of the Aftermarket: The Impact of Tomorrow’s Technology Today

In his AASA Technology Conference keynote address, Paul Golata of Mouser Electronics will take conference attendees on a ride to prepare for the breakneck speed of technological changes

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are causing the automotive aftermarket to shift gears quickly, affecting markets through transition and displacement, accident prevention and reduction, and ride sharing. In his keynote address “The Futuremarket of the Aftermarket: The Impact of Tomorrow’s Technology Today” at the 2018 AASA Technology Conference, Paul Golata, senior technology specialist at Mouser Electronics, will take conference attendees on a ride to learn how the automotive aftermarket must prepare to deal with the breakneck speed of technological changes and their ramifications. In a recent project series, Mouser, celebrity engineer Grant Imahara and Local Motors built a transformative 3D-printed vehicle with drone-launching technology that could be used to add AV capabilities.

The 2018 Technology Conference, presented by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30, through Tuesday, Oct. 2, in Clearwater, Fla.

The AASA Technology Conference is the industry’s leading technology event, attended by IT/IS, engineers, data/catalog managers, customer service, web developers, data analysts, product managers and marketing from suppliers, WDs, retailers, and technology and service providers. Participants will learn about major emerging technology trends, compare ideas with manufacturers and channel partners, develop connections with the leading technology executives in the aftermarket and gain strategies to enable their companies to seize opportunities with emerging technologies.

Other confirmed speakers at the 2018 Conference include:

• FBI Supervisory Special Agent Andrew Sekela
• Osvaldo Gallegos, director, CV & AFM Strategy, Dana Inc.
• Ann Wilson, senior vice president, government affairs, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
• Steve Lerner, founder of partVINe and head of blockchain research at Wade & Partners

The Conference will include three breakout session tracks: Heavy Duty Technology Track, sponsored by OptiCat; Marketing Technology Track, sponsored by PhaseZero Ventures; and the Information Technology Track, sponsored by Edgenet.

The 2018 Conference also will include an expanded schedule of live technology demonstrations, highlighted the latest developments. Demos schedule to-date include:

• CARQUEST Technical Institute: Technician training through a gaming interface
• Dana Corporation: VR and new axle technology
• eAutoClub: CRM tool that accesses and normalizes service history
• IOSiX: Voyomotive Scan Tool
• Mitchell1 (Snap-on): Diagnostic interface with shop management system
• PhaseZero Ventures: Sensor-based data for e-commerce
• Innova Technologies: Telematics
• Atheer: Augmented Reality for the Shop
• Freudenberg Corteco: Diagnosing vehicle electronics

Following the Technology Conference, AASA will debut a new event on Wednesday, Oct. 3: AASA Aftermarket Mobility Innovation (AMI). This unique event will advance the technology and business interests of suppliers of mobility/technology to the aftermarket industry. AMI will focus on a new breed of aftermarket suppliers, which includes providers of telematics, predictive analytics, mobile apps, plug-in devices (dongles), sensors, ECUs, smart parts, mobile apps, vehicle data platforms and ADAS. The inaugural event is open to all industry players, including traditional parts suppliers, mobility/technology suppliers and aftermarket channel partners. Separate registration is required for Technology Conference attendees.

The Conference’s expanded participation by suppliers and channel partners provides unique promotional opportunities. Contact Ben Brucato for details on how you can promote your company, brands and services.

More information about the AASA Technology Conference, registration, hotel accommodations and agenda are at aasatech.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Margaret Beck, 919-406-8828 or media@mema.org

About ATC

The AASA Technology Council (ATC) is a forum for networking and exchange of best practices focusing on current and emerging technologies that support members’ efforts to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and pursue new business opportunities. More information is at www.aasatechnology.org

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”